into the Austrian alps on narrow gauge electric light rail

 

 

 

 

 

One of Innsbruck's recent Bombardier trams at the Fulpmes terminus. (Geoff Churchman)

The Stubaitalbahn is one of Innsbruck's secret delights: a metre gauge light rail line that winds and twists its way into the mountains south of this Tirol Region city, as it has done since 1904.  In 18.2 km from the Stubaitalbahnhof to the terminus at Fulpmes it serves 8 intermediate stations and has a maximum gradient of 4.6%, a minimum curves radius of  40 metres and passes through 4 tunnels.  The trains (trams) operate on 900 Volts DC.

Since 1983 it has been an integral part of Innsbruck's tram system and trams continue from the Stubaitalbahnhof (where there is a heritage tram collection) to the Hauptbahnhof (main railway station).  The trip from the Hbf to Fulpmes takes 55 minutes approx.